
I don't have lists like that. I have grocery lists, work-to-do lists, books to read lists and Christmas lists. No "big" picture lists. My goals are always more immediate: survive eight hours of work, figure out something for dinner, have gas in the car, get up early to write. I talk about more ambitious accomplishments, but I don't write them down. That makes things too real. If I write it down and don't follow through then I'd only have to create another list––things I thought I might do, but didn't do list.
Another friend, a much younger one, doesn't make life lists. She comes up with a goal and then dives headfirst into a pool of aversion therapy. She wants to lose weight but isn't interested in traditional approaches. No walking, no ignoring the large plastic bag of m&ms hidden in her bottom drawer. None of that for my young friend. Her plan is to buy clothes that are too big for her, in a size she desperately hopes never to wear, and hang them around the house. Somehow the sight of these gargantuan pants will cause the pounds to fly off. Maybe she and I should both reconsider the life list approach.
Started thinking about lists in the first place after I began reading a new book, Before I Die by Jenny Downham.

But one writer Andrea, age 26, has a to-do before I die goal I can relate to–get published! For two years I've had a newspaper snippet pinned up on my bulletin board. It's from a NY Times wedding announcement,"Her mother writes children's books." If I had a list, this would be in the top ten, definitely.
1 comment:
I've been waiting all week for your entry. Happy to say, I wasn't disappointed! I love reading your blog.
I often thought about life lists, and I even have one. Guess what's always been on it? Yes, Greenwood Girls.
Hey, can I borrow "Before I Die?"
Keep writing...
Patty
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